Dermot Gallagher "surprised" by decision to disallow Chelsea goal against Southampton

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has suggested that Chelsea were unlucky to have a goal disallowed against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

Despite Timo Werner converting a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross shortly before half time, the goal was chalked off by VAR after a foul by Cesar Azpilicueta in the build-up.

Although Gallagher feels that the Spaniard fouled Kyle Walker-Peters, he agreed with Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel that too much time had passed by before the goal was eventually scored.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Gallagher said: "This was an interesting call. I don't think there is any doubt that it is a foul. That, for me, is the certainty about the situation.

"The feeling is that Southampton could not reset. It went on for a long time. I was surprised that they went back that far. There were 18 seconds between the foul and the ball going in the net. Six Chelsea players touched the ball and one Southampton player.

"It went back to a subjective decision given by the VAR. The VAR felt is was clear and obvious and the referee did as well, but I was surprised that they went back that far."

Chelsea eventually prevailed at Stamford Bridge by a 3-1 scoreline, Werner and Ben Chilwell netting late goals after James Ward-Prowse had been sent off.